NH fishermen now selling their fresh catches across the state

A community-supported fishery has spread its net from Portsmouth to Peterborough since June.

Owners of fishing boats from Seabrook, Hampton, Rye Harbor and Portsmouth Harbor first organized to get fresh, locally caught fish to Seacoast residents, according to Sarah VanHorn, general manager of New Hampshire Community Seafood.

The effort began at Portsmouth's Peirce Island, but it wasn't long before the CSF was making weekly deliveries at the Manchester Farmers Market. Now Peterborough is part of the network, VanHorn said.

"Currently we have 30 members in Peterborough who demanded fresh fish and have established a community drop almost entirely on their own," VanHorn said. "In order for the fish to get to Peterborough, a different member volunteers each week to drive to the Manchester Farmers Market, and they pick-up the coolers with everyone's fish in it."

The CSF's third, eight-week season starts today and runs through Nov. 24.

A share for a half-pound of fish fillets weekly costs $50; one pound a week is $100 and two pounds weekly are $200. Species can include cod, hake, pollock, flounder, butterfish, monkfish, redfish and "dayboat dogfish," VanHorn said. People can also buy whole fish or a combination of whole fish and fillets.

"It's a pretty inspiring model, and we would love to expand on the concept throughout the state," VanHorn said.

"With enough interest from different regions, we are willing to accommodate."

VanHorn said this will be the last season for the CSF until the start of the new fishing year next June. For more information, go to www.nhcommunityseafood.com